Backpacking trips are always more enjoyable when you’re well-fed. But let’s be real, who wants to carry a heavy and bulky stove or spend too much time cooking in the wilderness? That’s why we’ve put together this list of 18 easy and nutritious backpacking meal recipes that’ll fuel your adventures without sacrificing flavor.
From dehydrated chili mac and cheese to freeze-dried beef stroganoff, these meals are designed to be lightweight, compact, and most importantly, delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out on the trails, we’ve got you covered with recipes that cater to all tastes and dietary needs.
In this article, we’ll dive into each of these recipes, exploring what makes them so special for backpacking and how you can easily prepare them in your own kitchen. So grab your backpack and get ready to refuel your adventures!
Dehydrated chili mac and cheese
This recipe transforms a comforting classic into a compact and portable snack. Perfect for backpackers, campers, or anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dehydrated macaroni
– 1/2 cup dehydrated chili mix (contains onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and spices)
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rehydrate the macaroni by adding boiling water and letting it sit for 5-7 minutes.
2. In a separate pot, combine the dehydrated chili mix with 1 cup of boiling water. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
3. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
4. Add the rehydrated macaroni to the chili mixture and stir until coated.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Instant ramen with peanut butter and veggies
This recipe adds a creamy twist to the classic instant ramen by incorporating peanut butter and vegetables. The result is a flavorful, filling meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of instant ramen noodles
– 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bean sprouts, carrots, green onions)
– 2 cups hot water
– Optional: cooked chicken or tofu for added protein
Instructions:
1. Cook the instant ramen noodles according to the package instructions.
2. In a separate pan, heat the peanut butter over low heat until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the mixed vegetables to the peanut butter and stir until they’re well coated.
4. Combine the cooked noodles with the peanut butter-vegetable mixture.
5. Add hot water to the noodles and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tips:
– Use your favorite instant ramen flavor, such as chicken or beef.
– Adjust the amount of peanut butter to your taste.
– Consider adding cooked chicken or tofu for added protein.
Trail mix oatmeal with dried fruit
This hearty breakfast combines the warm comfort of oatmeal with the sweet and chewy goodness of dried fruit, perfect for a quick and satisfying morning start.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk
– 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
– 1 tablespoon chopped almonds
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a pot, bring the water or milk to a simmer.
2. Add the oats and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and reached your desired consistency.
3. Stir in the honey or maple syrup until dissolved.
4. Add the dried cranberries and chopped almonds. Stir until well combined.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Freeze-dried beef stroganoff
Transform a classic comfort food into a convenient and nutritious freeze-dried meal with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 2 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Freeze-drying equipment (optional: airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags)
Instructions:
1. Cook beef strips in a skillet with 2 tbsp oil until browned, then set aside.
2. Add onion, garlic, mushrooms, and remaining 2 tbsp oil to the skillet. Cook until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and flour. Add to the skillet and stir to combine.
4. Add cooked beef back into the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Freeze-dry using your preferred method.
Cooking Time:
– Cooking time in a conventional oven: 30-40 minutes
– Freeze-drying time: varies depending on equipment and desired level of dryness
Peanut butter and tortilla roll-ups
A delicious twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich, these roll-ups are perfect for a quick snack or lunchbox addition.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 tortillas
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Sliced banana or other fruit (optional)
Instructions:
1. Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter onto the center of a tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
2. If using, drizzle with honey and add sliced banana or other fruit on top of the peanut butter.
3. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the tortilla to form a tight cylinder.
4. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.
5. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: None! These roll-ups are ready in just a few minutes.
Tuna salad wraps with crackers
A classic combination of tuna salad, crunchy crackers, and fresh lettuce makes for a quick and satisfying snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of chopped onion
– 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 crackers (your preferred brand)
– Lettuce leaves for wrapping
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together tuna, mayonnaise, onion, and mustard until well combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Lay a cracker flat on a surface.
4. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the tuna salad mixture onto the center of the cracker.
5. Top with a lettuce leaf, folding the cracker over the filling to form a wrap.
6. Repeat for each serving.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is quick and easy, ready in just a few minutes.
Couscous with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan
A flavorful and nutritious side dish that combines the nutty taste of couscous with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the savory richness of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the couscous, cover, and turn off the heat. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
2. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Instant mashed potatoes with bacon bits
Elevate your instant mashed potatoes game by adding crispy bacon bits and a hint of savory flavor.
Ingredients:
• 1 package instant mashed potatoes
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons butter or non-stick cooking spray
• Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring water to a boil according to the package instructions for your instant mashed potatoes.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. In a separate pan, melt butter or use non-stick cooking spray over medium heat.
4. Add crumbled bacon and cook until crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Once the potatoes are cooked, add them to the pan with the bacon bits and stir until well combined.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes total
DIY dehydrated spaghetti with meat sauce
Elevate your camping trip or backpacking adventure with this easy-to-make, shelf-stable snack. This recipe transforms a classic spaghetti dish into a lightweight and nutritious treat that’s perfect for the great outdoors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup spaghetti
– 1 pound ground beef or turkey
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Dehydrator or oven
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground meat over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until onions are translucent.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti with meat sauce. Mix well.
6. Dehydrate mixture at 135°F (57°C) for 6-8 hours or bake in a preheated oven at 200°F (90°C) for 3-4 hours.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (dehydrator) or 3-4 hours (oven)
Quinoa and black bean salad
A flavorful and nutritious salad that combines the nutty taste of quinoa with the earthy flavor of black beans, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pre-packaged lentil curry with rice
This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy pre-packaged lentil curry with a side of aromatic rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 package pre-cooked lentil curry
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Set aside.
2. Open the pre-packaged lentil curry and heat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
3. Serve the lentil curry over the cooked rice.
Cooking Time:
– Rice: 15-20 minutes
– Lentil Curry: 5-7 minutes
– Total: 20-27 minutes
Granola with powdered milk and berries
Sweet Morning Granola with Powdered Milk and Berries
Make a deliciously sweet and crunchy granola to start your day off right!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup powdered milk
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, powdered milk, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Remove from oven and stir in chopped mixed berries.
6. Allow granola to cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Beef jerky and cheese sandwiches
A savory twist on a classic sandwich, this recipe combines the rich flavors of beef jerky with melted cheese for a satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup beef jerky (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 4 slices white bread
– 2 slices cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place two bread slices, buttered side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with beef jerky, dividing it evenly between the two sandwiches.
5. Place a slice of cheese on top of the beef jerky.
6. Place the remaining bread slices, buttered side up, on top of the cheese.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Flip the sandwiches over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Pre-cooked rice with canned chicken
A simple and satisfying meal that can be prepared in no time. Perfect for a busy day or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pre-cooked rice
– 1/2 cup canned chicken breast, drained and flaked
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped scallions or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized bowl.
2. Add the flaked chicken and stir until heated through.
3. Mix in the pre-cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with a fork.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped scallions or chives, if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 5 minutes
– Cooking time: None (using pre-cooked rice)
– Total time: 5 minutes
Energy bars with nuts and chocolate
Boost your energy levels with these no-bake bars packed with nuts and chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats and almonds.
2. In a separate bowl, mix honey and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Add the cocoa powder to the honey-peanut butter mixture and stir until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well mixed.
5. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
6. Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
7. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Cooking Time: None (no-bake)
Yield: 12-16 bars
Dehydrated vegetable soup with noodles
This recipe brings together the nutrients of dehydrated vegetables and the comfort of noodles, creating a hearty and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dehydrated mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, peas)
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 8 oz noodles (such as egg noodles or rice noodles)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine dehydrated vegetables and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, onion, garlic, thyme, and paprika to the pot. Stir well.
3. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Once vegetables are rehydrated, add noodles to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pre-mixed pancake batter with syrup
Start your day off right with this simple and delicious recipe for pre-mixed pancake batter, paired with a sweet and sticky syrup. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a tasty breakfast or snack ready to go!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pre-mixed pancake batter
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pre-mixed pancake batter and melted butter until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the batter mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to dry.
4. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
5. Serve with warm maple syrup drizzled over the top.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Trail-friendly hummus and pita bread
Take a break from the great outdoors with this easy-to-make trail-friendly hummus and pita bread combo.
Ingredients:
For the Hummus:
– 1 cup cooked chickpeas
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon tahini
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pita Bread:
– 1 package pita bread (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, tahini, and salt. Blend until smooth.
2. With the blender running, slowly pour in the olive oil.
3. Warm pita bread by wrapping it in foil and heating it over a campfire or in an oven for 5-7 minutes.
4. Brush pita with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
5. Serve hummus and pita bread together for a satisfying snack on-the-go.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Summary
Discover 18 easy and nutritious backpacking meal recipes that are perfect for your next adventure. From dehydrated chili mac and cheese to instant mashed potatoes with bacon bits, these recipes will keep you fueled and satisfied on the trail. Other delicious options include tuna salad wraps with crackers, couscous with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, and beef jerky and cheese sandwiches. With a mix of hot and cold meals, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just starting out, these easy-to-make meals will be a hit on your next hike.
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